Olympic bows for Amber Hill and Tim Kneale as GB name shooting team for Rio

European champion Amber Hill will make her Olympic debut next year after the British Olympic Association named her in a six-strong shooting team for Rio de Janeiro.

The 18-year-old from Bracknell won gold at the inaugural continental games in June, having become in 2013 the youngest ever Skeet World Cup gold medallist.

She will compete alongside Elena Allen in the women’s skeet event in Rio, with Jen McIntosh completing the women’s team in the 50 metres three positions.

Ed Ling was selected for the men’s trap event, with Steve Scott and Tim Kneale representing Great Britain in the double trap. Kneale, the world record holder in his event, joins Hill in gaining a first Olympic selection.

Hill said: “It was a really special moment when I was confirmed to be on the team. It’s what I’ve been training for and to know the hard work has paid off means a lot.

“My dream of competing at an Olympics really came to me after watching the target shooting at London 2012. Watching Peter (Wilson) become Olympic champion really did inspire me. I would have done anything to compete.”

Kneale added: “It feels absolutely amazing to make the Rio team, but also a bit surreal. It’s not sinking in. I’ve been to a few Commonwealth Games and world games, an Olympic Games will be fantastic. To have the atmosphere that Rio will bring with it will be amazing.”

Shooting team leader Phil Scanlan said: “I am delighted that the BOA have confirmed our selections for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. We have a great blend of youth and experience with a range from two-time Olympians to those experiencing their first Games.

“They are all Olympic quota place winners in their own right, and to manage that in the sport of shooting is a major achievement in itself, with most having to win a medal at a major championship to get the quota.”

There have been 44 British shooting medallists in Olympic history, with Wilson winning the country’s 13th gold in the men’s double trap at London 2012.

The selections take the British team for Rio up to 18 athletes, with the sailing and slalom canoe teams already selected.